The second edition of this indispensable textbook supports your academic development as you explore key concepts, theories, and practices. Engaging case studies bring theory to life, encouraging you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Reflect on your own beliefs and values with thought-provoking reflection points, while actionable steps guide you in translating theory into practice. Stay current with an extensive list of further readings, ensuring you remain at the forefront of research and practice. Includes key features such as: Learning outcomes Action points Case studies Reflection points Spotlights on policy/research Chapter summaries Further readings Each chapter begins with Learning Outcomes and ends with a summary, to guide your studies and package the most complex of subjects in a digestible and understandable form. Unsure how Early Years policies are implemented and impact young children? Curious about working with multilingual children and families? This updated edition covers topics ranging from children's neurological development, to the impact of technology and digital culture, to childhood disability and SEND. Complete and comprehensive, this is the only textbook that will support you from the moment your degree begins right up to your graduation. Whether you're embarking on a career in early childhood or seeking a deeper understanding of this vital field, this book equips you with the essential knowledge and tools to make a positive impact in the lives of young children.
Damien Fitzgerald PhD, is Head of Area for Early Childhood and Childhood at the Sheffield Institute of Education, Sheffield Hallam University. His research interests include gender and childhood, heteronormativity in family contexts and same-sex parenting and this informs his undergraduate and post-graduate teaching. Prior to working at Sheffield Hallam, he worked as an advisory teacher in early years special needs and in other teaching roles in schools. He is also qualified as a nurse working mainly in emergency care. Heloise Maconochie PhD, is Visiting Scholar of Early Childhood Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne, USA. Her research interests include children's experiences and perspectives of early childhood services, curriculum in the early years, disabled children's childhoods, early intervention, children's rights and participatory methodologies. She has worked in the UK as a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies and Teacher Education, and as an early years coordinator and primary school teacher. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children in Allen County, Indiana.
Part 1: THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD Chapter 1: The emergence of Early Childhood Studies: an historic overview Chapter 2: The brain and children's early development Chapter 3: The social and emotional development of children aged birth to three Chapter 4: How Young Children Learn Chapter 5: Creativity, curiosity and resilience Chapter 6: Young children and early communication Chapter 7: Developing children as critical Thinkers Chapter 8: Family relationships in the early years Chapter 9: Play in early childhood Part 2: CHILDREN IN SOCIETY: ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL Chapter 10: Diversity, equity, and inclusion Chapter 11: Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND Chapter 12: Young children's rights: provision, protection and participation Chapter 13: Children's health Chapter 14: Early years policy: implementation and impact Chapter 15: 15 Safeguarding children Chapter 16: Young children's wellbeing: conceptualising, assessing and supporting wellbeing Chapter 17: Working with multilingual children and families in the early years Part 3: CREATING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN TO THRIVE Chapter 18: Multi-agency practice with young children Chapter 19: Childhood in a global context Chapter 20: Young Children, Childhood and Gender Chapter 21: Technology and early digital culture Chapter 22: Observing and assessing children Chapter 23: Researching with children Chapter 24: Learning through placements Chapter 25: Leading quality practice
